The Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test is a state-level entrance examination conducted only once a year by the Karnataka Examination Authority. Lakhs of candidates from across the state participate in this exam.
The application form for Karnataka PGCET for the year 2026 will be made available soon, after which all candidates who are interested in participating in it will be able to submit their applications. Candidates will have a total of four weeks to apply.
In this article, we have discussed the Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test 2026 in detail. By reading this article thoroughly, you can learn about its important dates, eligibility criteria, application fee, exam pattern, and other details.
The Karnataka Examination Authority has officially confirmed the exam date for the Karnataka PGCET 2026. It will be held for ME/MTech on May 23, and the same for MBA/MCA will take place on May 14.
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Overview
The Karnataka PGCET 2026, conducted by the KEA, is scheduled to be held for admissions to MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.E., and M.Arch programmes for the academic year 2026-27. An overview of this entrance exam is provided in the table below.
| Exam Name | Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (PGCET) |
| Conducting Authority | (KEA) |
| Exam Level | State Level |
| Courses Offered | MBA, MCA, M.Tech, M.E., M.Arch |
| Academic Session | 2026–27 |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Official Website | cetonline.karnataka.gov.in |
Important Dates
The KEA will soon announce the important dates for Karnataka PGCET 2026. For your convenience, we have shared the expected schedule:
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | March 2026 |
| Online Application Start | March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 |
| Karnataka PGCET 2026 Exam Date | May 14 (MBA/MCA) & 23 (ME/MTech), 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | August 2026 |
| Answer Key Objection Window | August 2026 |
| Final Answer Key Release | August 2026 |
| Result Declaration | September 2026 |
| Rank Card Release | September 2026 |
| Counselling | October 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria to apply for the Karnataka Postgraduate Common Entrance Test 2026 are as follows:
| Course | Educational Qualification |
| MBA | Bachelor’s degree from a university recognised by the the UGC. |
| MCA | Bachelor’s degree with Mathematics / Statistics / Computer Science / Computer Applications from a university or institution recognised by the AICTE or UGC; or Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a UGC-recognized university and studied Mathematics at Intermediate level. |
| M.Tech / M.E. | B.E./B.Tech from an institution recognised by the All Indian Council of Technical Education. |
| M.Arch | Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from an institution recognised by the AICTE. |
The minimum requirement is score 50% scor as aggregate, for the individuals belonging to SC, ST and Category-I of Karnataka. There is no age limit to apply for the Karnataka PGCET 2026.
Application Fee
In order to apply for the Karnataka PGCET 2026, the payment of the application fee is mandatory. Refer to table below to check what you have to deposit.
| Category | Amount |
| UR / OBC | ₹650 |
| SC / ST / Category-I | ₹500 |
The application fee payment can be made using the debit card, credit card, NET banking. The due date to apply for it is going to be same as application form.
Exam Pattern
The KEA will conduct the Karnataka PGCET 2026 in offline mode using the OMR sheets. There will be a total number of 100 MCQs from the different subjects for MBA and MCA. The table carries subject-wise number of questions.
| Section | Number of Questions |
| Quantitative Analysis | 20 |
| Analytical & Logical Reasoning | 20 |
| General Knowledge | 20 |
| Computer Awareness | 20 |
| English Language | 20 |
| Total | 100 Questions |
For the ME, MTech, and MArch, there will be a total 75 objective-type questions. For the MBA and MCA, the exam time duration will be 2.5 hours; and for the ME, MTech, and MArch, the duration is 2 hours.
Each question carries a weightage of 1 mark, and no mark is going to be deducted. The medium of this entrance exam is English, individuals who belong to PwBD category will get extra timing.
How to Apply?
In order to apply for the Karnataka PGCET 2026, go through the step-by-step instructions is available below.
- Visit the official website of the Karnataka Examination Authority.
- Click on the PGCET 2026, and get redirected to next page.
- Register yourself by providing all the details accurately.
- Log in with providing all the details accurately, and fill in personal, academic, and course details
- Upload scanned photograph, signature, and required documents
- Pay the application fee, and then review the application form carefully and submit it.